We've been slowly working on our curb appeal for a few years. Little by little... giving our entry a makeover, restoring the french doors to the 2nd floor, and adding a decorative railing, landscaping the yard, etc...
We're down to the last bit of work we have planned for the facade of the building and that is adding awnings. We ordered our awnings yesterday from Chesterfield Awnings. They had been out a year earlier to quote the job ad now we are finally ready. The awning will be installed in about 6 weeks. We are putting a small one over the patio doors and a large one over the entrance.
I am excited to see this last change come to fruition. Other than that, my main "curb appeal" goal for this year is to add some more evergreen foliage to the front yard.
We also took a trip to Home Depot today and are ordering a new door for our garage. The door had to be special ordered so it will be here in about 3 weeks. It's nice because it will only need to be shimmed and we can eliminate the framing around the door that is currently there and kind of oddly done.
I'm glad that we are gettng going on some projects but nothing can compare to last year though. Looking back now, I realize how intense and exciting it was. I can actually kind of see how people can get hooked on renovation because one really feels like you are accomplishing something of significance. I have to adjust because we can't afford to keep that pace of spending money or working. I do miss it though sometimes. Such is the life of a renovator.
4 comments:
I can't wait to see the awnings and garage door, they are going to look fab. You are so luck-y!
I know what you mean about having to change your focus from full-time renovation. Although my renovations have been on a much smaller and sporadic scale, after a week or two of heavy work and then having little to nothing to really exert yourself over it's very hard to come down and be still. I knew once the house (in Texas) didn't sell it was going to be a long haul but lord it's hard to do renovation in short spurts.
I can relate to renovation addiction - and the subsequent disappointment when you can't keep up the pace. Finishing a big project is so energizing and exciting. And I love that feeling of accomplishment that comes from learning new skills and techniques.
We've slowed down because we ran out of money, and also because we felt we should enjoy life a bit more and stop working so hard. Renovation is addicting, and too much of anything (even a good thing) is dangerous. It's been hard to keep from diving into new projects every weekend. So far, we've been keeping to small stuff and dragging it out longer than usual. That way we're still doing something... just not at an insane pace.
We should both rediscover some old (non-house) hobbies that'll make us as happy as renovation - on a tighter budget!
So YOU'RE the owner of this great-looking place. I've walked down Lakewood often and wondered which was yours because I can never remember the housenumber. I love your place!
Now that the election is over, I will return to the visual world and start writing about the development and architecture and rehabbing in the North Coast neighorhoods. This is what gives me the greatest pleasure to contemplate and write about.
One thing.... I'm sure you two are working on insulation, but whatever you are doing, do more. The heaviest insulation you can get. Sooner or later, we are all going to have to go to electric heat, and I only hope the efficiency is improved. Take a look at the ARCO line of electric boilers. If you hear of efficiency ratings for these, let me know how they stack up, because it will be either something like this, or seeing Chicago completely stripped of every lovely growing thing to feed a wood burning stove or fireplace.
Your flowers are always beautiful and I will be strolling by to gaze.
Love Ya Both
Laura
Hey Laura,
Nice to hear from you on my houseblog! We are going to get back to house projects now that the election is over. What a ride.
I think we share that interest in architecture etc... I'll look forward to reading your posts on the subject. Glad we finally got to meet on the campaign and see you around I hope :o)
Mindy- Thanks for the nice comment. There is life beyond renovation projects I guess :)
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